Belik: A lot of work was put into Shakhtar U-19’s victory over Bologna, both during training camp and in the championship, and it brings results

Shakhtar U-19 kicked off UEFA Youth League campaign with 4-3 away win

Head coach Shakhtar U-19 Alexey Belik commented on the away win over Bologna U-19 (4:3) within the framework UEFA Youth League.

“An important victory, because in every competition it is important to start with success. There are no easy victories in the UEFA Youth League, and judging by the game, the victory over Bologna U-19 was really special. It is difficult to describe our feelings. Despite all the nuances caused by the weather conditions and the postponement of the match, we started well and scored an early goal. But, as often happens, after that we calmed down a bit and allowed the opponent to get back into the game, which led to a goal being conceded. However, then we managed to take the lead again.”

“After the break, nothing seemed to be a problem, because in the first half we were more active and had better possession of the ball. However, in the second half, the opponent took advantage of their size advantage, and we had to neutralize this by concentrating on each episode. In some places, we lost this concentration and gave the opponent the opportunity to take the lead. Indeed, the team showed character. We approached the match with only one short training session, and after the match was stopped, we also had no training and waited all day for a decision on whether to continue the game, which complicated the preparation. However, we implemented everything we had worked on earlier on the field and, overall, we played better than our opponents.”

“We were a bit tired at the end of the match, but we could have increased the score if we had realized our chances. But this is youth football, sometimes there is a lack of concentration both in attack and defense. However, we used our skills and looked stronger overall. I want to congratulate my players on a bright victory, but we must not stop and relax, so as not to miss this result. A lot of work was put into the victory both at the training camp and in the championship, and it brings results. I hope the guys will take the next match seriously, because there is a difficult road ahead and a meeting with a difficult opponent in the championship.”

The match between Shakhtar U-19 and Bologna U-19 started on September 18, but was stopped in the 8th minute due to heavy rain. The game was resumed the following day, September 19.

The youth team’s calendar completely duplicates the schedule of the first six rounds of Shakhtar’s main team. The U-19 team will then face Atalanta (October 2), Arsenal (October 22), Young Boys (November 6), PSV (November 27) and Bayern (December 10).

The draw for the main phase of the UEFA Youth League will take place on December 20, where the best clubs from the group stage and the Champions Path will qualify.

The main teams of Bologna and Shakhtar played 0:0 in the opening match of the group stage of the Champions League.

Source: Sportarena

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